There shall be a Finance Committee of nine of whom three shall be elected each year for a term of three years. The Finance Committee shall meet one month at least prior to the Annual Town Meeting in each year to consider the several articles proposed for the Warrant of said Town Meeting and shall submit to the voters at said Meeting recommendations as to said articles, within the scope of §
97-2.
The Finance Committee shall consider all matters of business under the
following classifications:
D. Transfers from free cash and other available funds.
F. Local options having financial impact included within
the articles of any Warrant for a Town Meeting and shall, after due consideration,
report thereon in print its recommendation on each article.
The Finance Committee shall have the authority at any time to investigate
the books, accounts, records and management of any department of the Town,
and employ such experts or other assistance as it may deem advisable for that
purpose, and the books, accounts and records of all departments and officers
of the Town shall be open to the inspection of said Committee and any person
employed by it for that purpose. Said Committee shall also have the authority
to summon the attendance of witnesses to testify and produce books and papers
at any hearing concerning the investigation of the management of any Town
department. Administering oaths to witnesses, payment of witness fees and
penalties for default shall be the same as provided for in MGL c. 233, § 8.
It shall further have the authority to compel the attendance of witnesses
and the giving of testimony pursuant to the provisions of MGL c. 233, § 10.
Upon the completion of any investigation performed pursuant to this section,
the Committee shall promptly file a written report of its doings in the office
of the Town Clerk. The Committee may appoint subcommittees of its members
and delegate to them such of its powers as it deems expedient.
The Finance Committee or a designated subcommittee shall hold a public
meeting on all capital expenditure articles and all articles submitted by
petition for the purpose of hearing the proponents and opponents on each proposal.